As well as giving a walkability index that ranges from car dependant (0-24) to walkerâ€™s paradise (90 â€“ 100), it produces a map that shows you the location of nearby services. It also lists the top eight closest schools, shops, movie theatres etc, and the distances to them.

So does it work? I tested out my place and wasnâ€™t surprised to find my neighbourhood ranked 75 out of hundred, which means most people can get by without a car. We chose the area specifically so we could minimise car use â€“ and these days no longer own one.

However itâ€™s not perfect â€“ for example Walkscore calculated the nearest coffee shop to my place is 0.5 km â€“ but there are three much closer. Itâ€™s also worth noting that distances are as the crow flies â€“ so it might take a bit longer to walk there if you canâ€™t go in a straight line.

Walkscore is strictly about walking so if you want public transport info you will need to look it up yourself. Other things you might want to consider when searching for a new home is location of car share pods and the feasibility of cycling.